Softball Team Extends Win Streak to 14 Games with Sweep of Hamline

Betsie Collins struck out 11 batters in picking up the win in game one.

The Gustavus softball team remained in first place in the MIAC with an important sweep against Hamline by the scores of 5-0 and 2-1 on Thursday in St. Peter. The Gusties were led by Rachael Click who went 4-for-5 at the plate with two home runs. Betsie Collins struck out 11 in claiming the win in game one, while Erin Truebenbach picked up the win on the mound in game two. Gustavus improves to 23-3 overall and 12-0 in the MIAC, while Hamline falls to 19-7 overall and 10-4 in the MIAC.

In game one, the Gusties jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning when Emily Klein scored on a Piper throwing error and then Andrea Brown drove in Jenny Ewert with a two out double. Gustavus increased its lead to 3-0 in the fourth inning when Emily Wendorff hit a two-out, bases loaded single to score Emily Klein. Jenny Ewert was thrown out at home trying to score on Wendorff’s single which ended the inning. The Gusties increased their lead to 5-0 in the sixth inning thanks to solo home runs by Emily Klein and Rachael Click. Betsie Collins was nearly perfect through five innings as she did not allow a hit, and walked only one, while striking out nine. The Pipers put together a rally in the sixth inning with three consecutive singles, however Collins got the final two outs without allowing a run and the Gusties shut Hamline down in the seventh to claim the 5-0 win. Collins got the complete game victory, scattering four hits, while walking one and striking out 11.

In game two, Click gave Gustavus a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first with a two-out solo home run. The Gusties manufactured what turned out to be the winning run in the fifth inning, when Lisa Klass stroked a two-out single and Emily Klein reached on an error. With Klass on third and Klein on second, Jenny Ewert laid down a drag bunt that scored Klass from third making the score 2-0. The Pipers cut the lead to 2-1 in the top of the sixth when Grace Weinrich singled to score Sophie Davidson from third base. The Gusties shut down a serious Piper threat on the next play as Erin Farley hit a sharp ground ball to Andrea Brown, who turned the 5-4-3 double play to end the inning. Hamline failed to score in the top of the seventh inning and the Gusties were able to hold on for the 2-1 victory. Erin Truebenbach turned in a strong performance on the mound for Gustavus as she scattered five hits, and struck out five batters, while not issuing a walk.

Gustavus have Friday off before traveling to St. Joseph to face St. Ben’s on Saturday. The Gusties will then return home to host Saint Mary’s on Sunday.